Moving to Canada to rebuild a new life can involve significant problem-solving. Eva, a newcomer mother, explains how her Welcome Group volunteers supported her. “The volunteers helped me find an apartment in Scarborough, get a library card, improve my CV, and study. They helped me search for housing…bring in the furniture, move in, and make a home.”

Reflecting on her experience as a Welcome Group volunteer, Amy reminds other program participants, “Remember you are not alone.  Within the group there is always somebody who can help.”

Read more here.

This Canada Day we are celebrating Canada’s history of welcoming newcomers by sharing insights from a Welcome Volunteer.

“One of the important lessons I’ve learned is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to helping newcomers. Every person and family arrives with a different and often complex reality, so before jumping in to help, it’s important to take the time to understand their situation, their priorities, and their aspirations.”

Read more here.

Everyone needs community. We make that happen by connecting refugee newcomers and volunteers to build social connections and break through barriers. For World Refugee Day, we’re featuring the story of Mohieldin and Claudia’s match in Vancouver to illustrate how community can be built. As Mohieldin explains,

“I felt so much better every time I connected with them. I was actually pretty nervous when I started my match but it only took one coffee outing with my group for me to feel safe and like I wanted to continue; I knew this program was right for me.”

Read more here (link).